Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

June 28, 2017

Part of the New York City experience is being outside and sight-seeing, walking everywhere as much as you can, and taking in the all the beauty the city has to offer. By the time mid-June rolls around, however, you’ll find that the heat starts to feel particularly heavy, and escaping the heat can be tricky, as the subways are stifling, exhaust from cars and buildings seem to make the sidewalks hotter, and of course, walking everywhere can make you sweat more than a car with air conditioning can.

For some great indoor activities that will get you out of the heat and away from the sun, New York City will quickly make you forget about these “dog days of summer” with some of the most classic and creative things to do. Plus, if you’re adjust to the English language, these activities will ensure you’ll get plenty of practice.

1. Minus5, New York Hilton, Midtown

This is one of those spots that you probably only see on TV, but now, you can make it part of your reality! Made completely of ice, the entire space’s furniture and glasses and even bar is frozen. You’ll forget about that blinding heat the instant you step foot in this bar! Kept at a constant -5 degrees Celsius, this spot will surely cool you down—just don’t forget to bring your jacket for this experience, and be sure to bring your winter English phrases with you for a bizarre flashback! Just don’t order a coffee!

2. Frames, 550 9^th Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen

You can’t ever really go wrong with bowling, so if you’re looking for an activity to get out of the heat, check out this particularly awesome bowling alley—with neon lights that will remind you of the 70s and the leather couches that will keep you comfortable while waiting your turn, you’ll quickly forget about the rising temperatures outside. The fun music, cool drinks, and excellent graphics will keep you entertained for hours. You’ll also get familiar with some English phrases while playing, like “strike,” “spare,” and “turkey.”

3. Chelsea Piers Sky Rink, Pier 61

You might think that ice skating is just a wintertime activity, but at the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink, you can cool off any time of the year. With skate rentals available, you can make a spur-of-the-moment decision to kill a few hours here. Who knew that ice skating in August was something you could do? You might learn a few tricks on the ice from your buddies, but you’ll also be able to pick up on a few new English phrases while you’re tearing up the ice, like “axel,” “loop,” and “jump.”

4. Escape the Room, Multiple locations

This new activity is all the rage, and if you’ve never participated in this yet, surely some of your friends have done this. It’s a really creative way to kill some time, have some laughs with friends, exercise your brain, and of course, because this activity requires communication, your English communication skills will be put to the test, so be ready! With only a 60-minute window to “escape the room,” you and your friends will have to work together to solve the puzzles from hidden objects and planted clues.

5. Hit the movie theatre

This might be an easy solution, but it’s always a great idea if the heat is just simply sucking your energy and you can’t take the summer sun any longer. Luckily, there’s not the slightest shortage in movie theaters in New York City, so the options are endless. Whether you’re looking for the latest summer blockbuster or a throwback indie film, you have hundreds of theaters to choose from. Movie theaters are always pumping the AC to cool you down and make your body feel comfortable and relaxed again. And of course, watching a movie and catching up on pop culture is the perfect chance to exercise your English skills. Maybe check out a film that’s willing to put on closed captioning for you so you can read along while you watch to further cement your vocabulary and enunciation. Some of the biggest movies come out in the summer, so you’re sure to find something that will keep you distracted from the blinding heat for a few hours!

June 27, 2017

As the days get longer and the sun seems to get stronger each week, you might find yourself itching to be by the water to help cool down the summertime heat. As you might imagine, being on the beach in New York City is tricky, but there are a few options if travel is limited or if you’re just looking for a quick fix to get your toes in the sand and a few waves to cool yourself down. Plus, if you’re adjusting to the English language, these destinations are great learning tools for you, as these locations are filled with hundreds of people every day, and the beaches have signage everywhere so you can read and hear English all around you. Dig out your swimsuit, pack your sunscreen, and get ready for some fun in the sun!

1. Coney Island; West 37^th Street to Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn

This spot is probably the most popular summertime destination for New Yorkers, as it’s easy to get to, has almost three miles of beach, and it also has the additional perk of a boardwalk, amusement rides, and courts to play volleyball, handball, or basketball. This would also be the best spot to practice your English, as there are dozens of shops and restaurants, it’s always filled with people, and because the sun generally puts people in social moods, it’s the perfect time and spot to meet some new people! Get ready for a fun day!

2. Rockaway Beach; Beach 9^th Street, Far Rockaway, to Beach 149^th Street, Neponsit, Queens

This is another timeless favorite of New York City locals. This beach also has an impressive boardwalk, but the best part of this destination is that it’s the only beach in the city that allows surfing! Even if you don’t surf yourself, it’s still amazing to see surfers of all skill levels test out the waves. Rockaway also has plenty of concession options should you get hungry or thirsty. Practice your English surfing phrases (“Hang Ten”), and get ready for some great entertainment!

3. Cedar Grove Beach; Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Avenue, Staten Island

If you have the capacity to travel a bit to get to Staten Island, Cedar Grove Beach will not let you down. While it’s much smaller and quieter than other beaches in the city, this location is the newest, so it’s still a bit of a secret. This means less people, which also means this beach is a bit more intimate and tranquil. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the New York City grind, this is the best option for a peaceful getaway. Interacting with others is of course allowed, but because this location is much more removed, it’s the perfect spot to appreciate the quiet and practice your English with a book!

4. South Beach; Lower New York Bay, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, Midland Beach, Staten Island

Also located in Staten Island, South Beach is a New York City local favorite. This is one of the more activity-friendly beaches in the area—it has a scenic bike trail, offers kayaking, has tennis courts, and even allows fishing. If you’re looking for a bit more physical activity, South Beach is definitely your spot. This another great spot to mingle with locals and practice your English social skills, as you can make teams for tennis, recruit a stranger to go kayaking with you, or simply make small talk with other fishers.

5. Orchard Beach and Promenade; Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park

This is the only public beach in the Bronx, and it’s quite legendary among the locals because of this and has been dubbed “The Riviera of New York” since the 1930s. Just over a mile long, Orchard Beach has a promenade, plenty of food and drink bars and carts, playgrounds and picnic areas for families, and over two dozen courts for volleyball, handball, and basketball. This beach also allows barbecuing, so be sure to pack all the necessities for hosting a killer outdoor meal—which is also a great way to mingle with other beach-goers. What better way to put your English skills to use?

June 26, 2017

With warmer weather, more free time, and a general better outlook towards each day, you’re definitely on the lookout for something to do, and since you’re in New York City, you can expect the best of the best. New York City hosts a wide range of music festivals during the summer months, and tons of musical icons and brand new artists fight to get their name on the lineup. It’s a great experience to be outside in the warm sun, listen to some of your favorites, and of course, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people, practice your English, and perfect your lyrics! So pack your sunscreen, bring plenty of cash for water to stay hydrated, and get ready for the ultimate musical experience!

1. Panorama Music Festival, July 28^th – 30th, New York City

Held at Randall’s Island Park, this year’s show is featuring almost 70 artists over the three-day musical extravaganza. With some talent that has been around for decades to brand new artists, this is one of New York City’s biggest musical celebrations. Because thousands attend this festival every year, you’ll be surrounded by lots of opportunities to practice your English AND get acquainted with some of the best talent in the industry today.

2. Elements Festival, August 12^th – 13th, New York City

This is one of those festivals that is so much more about just music—it’s about the experience. In addition to the dozens of musical acts the festival hosts, it’s also modeled after the earth’s elements (earth, air, water, fire, fifth element). It has interactive art installations, aerial performances, rides, circus performances, and of course, incredible food and beverage vendors. If you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, this is your spot! And again, what better way to put your English skills to use?

3. Billboard Hot 100 Festival, August 19^th – 20th, Long Island, NY

While this festival is a bit of a trek beyond the city’s greater limits, it’s definitely worth the ride if you’re thinking about attending this one. While only about 30 artists are signed on for this year’s festival, the names are a bit bigger, so expect the show’s to be longer, more pyrotechnical, and you can definitely expect the crowds to be more amped up to see some of their favorites.

4. Electric Zoo, September 1^st – 3rd, New York City

Also held at Randall’s Island Park, this festival is still adding names to the lineup, so be sure to keep checking into the status of this festival to see if any of your favorites will be there. With dozens already signed on, this three-day musical extravaganza is one to get excited about. Many of the artists are household names, so if you want to brush up on their music and lyrics, look them up on Spotify, and get to know some popular English tunes and impress your friends by knowing all the words! This one is for sure a NYC favorite, so get excited!

5. The Meadows Music Festival, September 15th – 17^th, New York City

This festival is perhaps the biggest one of the season. Held at Citi Field in Queens, this three-day event features some of the biggest names in hip hop, rap, alternative rock, techno and house music, and pop. With names like Jay Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, and Gorillaz, you’re sure to find that some of your favorites will be there. Because this one is the biggest musical festival of the season, be sure to look into this one as early as possible, as it can quickly sell out!

For me, I find that sometimes I can’t make the festivals—whether it’s due to traveling, the time of the year, or even if I don’t have the funds to purchase the tickets, it’s always a bummer. But I’ve found what helps alleviate the sadness about not being able to go is that I’ll make playlists of all the artists at that festival, and I’ll jam out to it that weekend of the festival so it ALMOST feels like I’m there! Plus, this way, you won’t have to fight the crowds, wait in line for the porta-potties, and you’ll still hear all your favorite music!

June 22, 2017

One of my favorite parts of the warmer weather in New York City is simply being outside. It’s such a refreshing feeling to walk out of my apartment building and not get immediately slapped in the face with a blast of frigid, winter air. I love being able to feel the sun’s heat on my shoulders, I love the smell in the air from the flowers and blooming trees. Even the sound of children playing on the playgrounds has a more jovial ring to it. This time of the year, I’m always looking for things to do outside and ways to spend as much of my time outdoors as possible.

My first summer here, I discovered that many of the New York City parks host movie nights. They’ll put up giant projectors for the film, open their lawns for people to lay under the stars, and provide you with a relaxing and entertaining evening that you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re new to the English language, this is a great way to get some English practice in outside of the classroom. If you request it, the park will even put the closed captioning on the bottom of the screen so you can hear the English and read along, which will more thoroughly guide you through the experience of the movie. In one night, you can practice your English, enjoy a stunning New York City night under the stars, and see any of the dozens of American cinematic films New York City has to offer this summer.

1. Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan

I chose this one first because it’s one of my favorite spots in the city. A quick walk over the 103^rd Street footbridge, this island is an awesome, tucked-away location, making it feel like a secret within the city. I tend to go here before heading to Central Park because it’s not as populated, and it’s right on the water of the East River. This season, Randall’s Island Park is celebrating its 25^th anniversary, so they’re honoring this milestone by showing movies from 1992. Because it’s not as populated as other parks in the city, this is your best option when it comes to gathering a group of friends, packing a picnic basket with movie treats, blankets, and chairs. Socialize before the movie to brush up on your English social phrases, then during the movie, catch up on some cultural American classics on the giant projector.

2. Bryant Park, Manhattan

This is another one of my favorite spots to catch a movie at dusk. While this location is much more popular and tends to be more crowded, it’s still an awesome experience to know that you’re sharing the evening with hundreds of other New Yorkers looking to enjoy a warm night in New York City. The great part about this location is its proximity to the Hester Street Fair on the Fountain Terrace. This alleviates your need to pack food; pick up some great treats to snack on during the movie, and don’t forget to pack your blankets and maybe a sweatshirt for those cooler nights. With this spot being much more populated, this gives you the chance to mingle with other fellow New Yorkers and practice your English skills. With a movie showing every week, you definitely won’t run out of options!

3. Cedar Hill, Central Park, Manhattan

This spot is my next favorite just because it’s Central Park, and what’s not to love about this spot?! Located just off the East 79^th Street entrance, the field is easy to find, and again, you’ll be amongst hundreds of other New Yorkers, so it’ll be a really cool experience if you’re looking for something to do on a beautiful day. The other amazing perk of these evenings is that the experiences are completely free, so there’s no need whatsoever to worry about entrance—just bring your friends, your snacks, and your blankets! These evenings also tend to be pretty populated, but again, it’s the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow New Yorkers, and you’ll get the added bonus of brushing up on some of America’s favorite and most classic cinematic features!

If you’re located outside of Manhattan, there are also plenty of other fields and parks in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, so just do a quick Google search in your area, and you’re sure to find something in your neighborhood!

After enduring a long and cold winter in New York City, it can be so refreshing to have cooperative weather that doesn’t require three layers of clothing, hats and scarves, or even closed shoes. For me, turning my heat off and opening the windows in my apartment is the official launch of spring in New York City. While not every day is guaranteed to be beautiful, the first signs of spring or even early summer can be enough to completely change your mindset. I find myself taking the long way home, eating my lunch outside, and meeting friends for dinners way more often than I was in the colder months.

If you’re new to New York City and learning English, this is also one of the best times of the year to experience the thrills of the Big Apple. Restaurants open their sidewalks for outside dining, shops and salons keep their doors open to allow the fresh air in, and there are more street vendors out than any other time of the year. The warm weather tends to put everyone in good moods, it brings people out of the apartment buildings, and it encourages people to be social and spend time outdoors again. Since I’ve been living in Manhattan, I’ve been the most social during the warmer months because I was more excited to simply just be outside in the fresh air. As a result, this is the most ideal time for practicing your English with your friends and anyone else you interact with along the way.

1. 9/11 Memorial

September 11^th was an international tragedy, and if you find yourself with a day off, I highly recommend visiting the outdoor memorial in Lower Manhattan. This stunning tribute to those we lost in the attacks will take your breath away, and it will immediately take you back to the very moment you found out about the event. The memorial is surrounded by incredible information regarding the attacks, the victims, and hope for the future—while the mood in this location tends to be quiet and respectful, it’s still a great way to practice your English-reading while simultaneously learning more about the attack’s impact. Pick up the informational brochures to practice your English reading, and be sure to ask the guides questions in English.

2. The Cloisters

A part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this is a museum in Upper Manhattan with incredible medieval history and a stunning outdoor scenic location. While you’re walking the grounds on a beautiful spring day, you can take in the rich European history from this museum; if you can, make sure to visit the garden area of the experience. These spots have been designed to resemble the actual presentation of the medieval gardens, and expert historical horticulturists actually tend these gardens to truthfully resemble the real structure and dynamic of these buildings. As any museum has written information to guide you along, the Cloisters also does so you can again engage with your English vocabulary and put your learning to good use! Don’t forget to ask questions along the way and take in the beautiful outdoor scenery!

3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cantor Roof

If you plan on going to the Met at all this season, be sure to visit one particular part of the museum: this spring, the roof of the Met will be open for a customized art display, which will stunningly overlook Central Park. Celebrated as one of the best museums in the world, Cantor Roof always delivers the best of the best in terms of international displays. So while you’re here, you’ll not only learn about the international artist and the inspiration behind the artwork, but you’ll be doing so by consuming the content in English! You’ll be getting fresh air, practice with your English, AND exposure to international culture, all in one stop! Be sure to stick around afterwards to visit the Garden Café and Martini Bar, also on the roof. Overlooking Central Park, this will be the perfect way to cap off an informational and educational day.

June 21, 2017

If you’re looking for an incredibly fun activity now that the weather is warming up, I highly recommend checking out a baseball game. New York City has two major league baseball teams: the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. Both home fields are easy to get to, and if the weather is permitting, an afternoon home game can turn an average day into an amazing one.

Baseball is often referred to as America’s pastime. It’s a timeless sport in the United States, and both New York-based teams are treasured units in New York City. Fans of both the Yankees and the Mets take their teams very seriously and are loyal to their traditions. Before you hit either field, I’m prepping you on some phrases that you might overhear while you’re there. This way, you can practice these English phrases before you go, and you’ll know how to shout when your new home team scores a homerun!

1. “Play Ball!”

Right before the game starts, the whole field will salute during the National Anthem. During this song, everyone will stand facing the American flag, and the men will remove their hats and hold them against their hearts. At the end of the song, you’ll hear people shout, “Play Ball!” This phrase will signify the beginning of the game, and it riles everyone up for a great baseball game. It’ll kick-start the whole experience.

2. “It’s Outta Here!”

If a player hits a ball all the way out of the stadium, it’s considered a home run, and it’s one of the greatest plays in the sport. It’s a huge point of celebration, and you’ll hear many people shout this once the ball is declared as a homerun. It’s a great feeling when you’re shouting this with everyone else in the stadium.

3. Seventh Inning Stretch

This is another baseball tradition. The whole game lasts 9 innings, so in the middle of the 7^th inning, the whole stadium will stand up for another song called, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” This song is meant to give the players a break during the game, and then it’s also a chance to stretch your legs, get some last minute snacks, or simply participate in a timeless tradition. Check out the song on YouTube and learn the words, so when you get to the stadium, you can sing along in unison with everyone else. It’s a really fun tradition!

4. Bases Loaded

When there are players on all bases, you’ll hear this phrase. This is a really big deal, since it means that if the next player at bat hits a home run, it means that all the players will get to run to home base, which then makes that play a Grand Slam. This doesn’t happen all that often, so if it happens while you’re there, you’re in for a great moment of celebration. It’s really exciting if you get to be a part of it!

5.“Foul Ball!”

If a player hits the ball out of bounds, it means it doesn’t count as a regular hit and the player can attempt to hit the ball again. This can also be a really exciting time, since if your seats are close enough to the field, you might have the chance to catch it and keep the ball! This is one of the coolest parts of going to a game—so make sure you bring a glove!

6.Extra Innings

If the game is a tie by the time of the ninth inning, that means the game will go into extra innings. Again, this isn’t super common, but if you find yourself at a game where this happens, it can also be really exciting just because it is so rare. It can turn into a serious nail-biter, so be prepared!

7.“Steeeeeeeeeeeriiiiiiiike!”

If a player misses a ball, it’s considered a strike. When this happens, you’ll hear the umpire behind the batter say the word strike just like this. It might sound a bit weird, but it’s another really neat tradition in the game of baseball. Once you hear it said this way, you might find that you won’t say it any differently that the umpire did.

April 29, 2017

Ready to customize your news source just to New York City? Want to make sure your information doesn’t go over your head if you’re learning English? I’ve got you covered!

Sometimes it may seem like living in New York City is lifestyle that some people just won’t get unless they give it a shot themselves. Our city is so unique in its own way that it can often feel as though we’re in our own little world. The great thing about this time that we live in is that there are so many ways to get our news now that it makes it impossible to be misinformed. And with all of our technological advances, we really are quite the privileged generation.

You might visit CNN, ABC, or other news networks to stay up-to-date with the happenings in the world, but sometimes maybe you just want to know what’s been going on in your area. Similar to any kind of local news area, New York City has plenty of news and journalistic outlets for you to engage with to stay current. Being in touch with these outlets is also a way to continue your ongoing exercise in practicing your English skills—you can be hear how other people refer to traffic patterns, listen to how the local sports team performed, and stay up-to-date with local events. I’ve listed out a handful of resources that will provide you with not only great specific information on New York City but will also provide you mental English practicing skills and exercise.

1. Time Out New York

You can pick one of these free magazines up in the subway to look through during your commute, or you could also download the app to read it digitally. This resource is geared more towards the social scene, focusing more on new restaurants, upcoming events, or trending habits from your fellow New Yorkers. I follow the magazine on my social media, so it’s super easy to stay up-to-date with the latest in my neighborhood. They also post a lot of cool round-ups and lists about the best places to get brunch, the hottest spots for karaoke, or the most up-and-coming neighborhoods for rents. Again, if you’re still adjusting to English, don’t worry about the language barrier—the writers for this publication are also very approachable, and you more than likely won’t feel intimidated.

2. New York Daily News

This resource is much more similar to a newspaper style kind of news delivery, but it focuses solely on life in New York City. You can search stories based on your borough or you can just scan the main page for the top stories. Be sure to also pay attention to their social media outlets, as the editors tend to circulate the most breaking news on these platforms, so you’ll be as up-to-date and informed as possible. Even though it’s primarily NYC-focuses, it also highlights breaking news outside of the city limits, so you won’t be missing out on outside news if you utilize this resource for your information.

3. New York One (NY1)

If television is more up your alley, check out this this newschannel. Easy to remember, this station loops 24-hour news on everything New York City related. During the morning and evening hours, the channel runs your basic news, covering traffic, weather, sports, and general news updates, while during the day, the channel will cover more specific genres during longer periods, like a half hour program covering the New York City theater scene and another that covers political updates. I noticed that whenever I’m at the doctor or the dentist, they’ll always have this channel on while I’m waiting for my appointment—it makes it easy to stay informed! If you’re new to English, the great part of this network is the reminder that the channel as a whole is for New York City, and it’s important to remember, as I’ve said consistently in all my blog posts, that almost everyone in NYC is from somewhere else. While you’re watching the weather report, someone from Ghana is in Queens watching the same thing. While you’re brushing your teeth and watching the evening news, someone from Taiwan is doing the same thing. With this, the channel communicates its information in an approachable and universal way. And just as I always say, when in doubt, download the app!

April 26, 2017

As the days get longer and the temperatures warm up, you might start to feel the urge to get out of New York City for a bit and explore other areas of the country or even the world! While you’ve been in the city, you may have noticed that it’s relatively easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and lifestyle, which makes it difficult to go outside of the city limits. I know that I have to remind myself every couple of months to take a trip outside of The Big Apple, even if it’s to visit family for the weekend or just hop on a train to a different town and explore what that other area has to offer. I start to get antsy in the spring and want to visit a place full of nature and quiet, or maybe I just want to travel to a different city and get a feel for another city’s speed and life. Really, it all depends on how I’m feeling at that time!

One of the greatest parts of living in New York City is that it’s a huge transportation hub—possibly the most populated in the country. This makes getting into (and getting out of!) the city a breeze. I’ll be breaking down all your options of travel for you so you can be prepared for the next trip you might have planned in the future to take advantage of the sunnier skies and warmer temperatures. If you’re still adjusting to the English language, this will also help you approach your travel options as better prepared. Plus, once you make this trip once, you’ll be a pro once you’re ready to come back to New York City on your return trip, and other people will be asking YOU for advice!

1. Buses

We’ll start with this method, as it’s arguably the cheapest option for travel outside of the city limits. Whether you’re traveling within New York state or the Tri-State region or if you’re looking to expand to other time zones, there are endless bus options for you. The Port Authority Bus Terminals offer all kinds of routes and bus lines depending on your needs—depending on your length of travel, your comfort requirements, or your time constraints, you can find anything that matches your bus wish list. Luckily, this terminal is so widely used, so if you find yourself having trouble translating or understanding what you need to do, there are endless booths and employees there that will help you find your destination and will explain the process to you. Again, if English isn’t your native language, New York City is the ultimate melting pot, so they’re used to hosting people from other areas of the world.

2. Trains

If you’re traveling somewhat locally, I’d recommend looking into NJ Transit for getting around the immediate outside regions of New York City. These routes are reasonably priced and offer quite a bit of variety when it comes to routes and times. If you’re traveling a bit farther away from New York City, Amtrak has got you covered. This is primarily how I travel when I go to visit friends or family in my hometown—it’s quick, reasonably priced, and very reliable. More than likely you’ll be leaving out Penn Station, located right next to Madison Square Garden, so you will be right in the center amongst other travelers, both locally and internationally. There will be many people there that are willing to help you translate if you’re struggling with English or if you’re having a hard time figuring out the process.

3. Planes

Again, since New York City is such a large transportation hub, you have great options when it comes to flying in and out of the city. No matter where your ultimate destination is, you are more than likely to find options at either La Guardia Airport or JFK Airport, both in Queens. Even if you can’t find anything that suits your needs at these two locations, I’ve also flown out of Newark, NJ a few times, and this airport has been a pleasant experience all around. Obviously, being at an airport should be a comfort to you if you’re adjusting to learning English since there will be many workers there willing to help you find your way or help you along with your translation.

April 24, 2017

Last month, I shared some great ideas for spending time outside in New York City as the sun stays out longer and the temperatures become warmer and more comfortable. Because there really are so many options, I’ve decided to build off a previous post and share more exciting activities for the warm weather!

1. Frieze Art Fair

I wanted to include this one first because this takes place at Randalls Island Park—a destination that I love so much because I think it’s NYC’s best-kept secret. It’s a quick walk via footbridge over the East River, and once you’re there, it’s like being on a private little island, a perfect getaway from the speed of the city—which makes this event at the top of my list. Another great aspect of this event is that it has an international touch to it, displaying artwork from galleries all over the world. You may not need help translating your way through this event if you’re new to the English language!

2. South Street Seaport

This is another one of those locations in New York City that will make you pinch yourself. If you ever feel like you can’t get nature while living in NYC, then you’ve never been to this destination. Because this location is right at the bottom of the island, you have stunning views of the water with your choice of incredible restaurants, unique shops, and pretty spectacular spots to just hang out and chat with your friends. This spot is heavily detailed with signs and directions, so if you’re new to English, it will be simple for you to navigate and provide you time if you need help in translating.

3. Five Boro Craft Beer Fest

If you’re a huge beer fan like me, this should be right up your alley. This is the chance for more than 100 kinds of beers to be exposed to other beer enthusiasts. This is a great opportunity for you to sample all kinds of brews without having to commit to a full 16 oz. glass, and what better way to meet other people that share similar interests? This kind of event garners all kinds of people all over the world, so you will most likely be exposed to other languages other than your own native language and English!

4. Cinco de Mayo

You might hear this phrase starting to come up around the date of May 5th, as it’s a Mexican holiday in which the United States has recognized this date to celebrate Mexican-American culture. This is a great day for many restaurants and bars to whip up their best Mexican-inspired dishes and cocktails. So if you’re in the mood for a killer margarita or some high-quality tacos, this is the perfect time to wander into your local Mexican place—and maybe pick up some Spanish phrases and take a break from learning English for a day!

5. Bacon and Beer Classic

This is one that’s on my personal list of things to do this season. Again, I’m a huge beer fan, and who doesn’t love bacon? Be sure to arrive with an empty stomach and make sure you pace yourself while you wander from sample to sample, trying out the best in bacon and beer. This is another chance to test our your English skills by looking up all the sponsors on social media and joining the hashtag conversations—you might also learn about other spots in the arena that you didn’t even know about!

6. Spring Concerts

As you can imagine, another one of the greatest reasons for living in New York City is the proximity to so many great entertainment venues. Some of the biggest and most celebrated musical talents from all over the world ensure that they include New York City in their tour—they know they’ll guarantee ticket sales in these venues, and they know their fans hail from all over the world, so they’ll get the best of the best in their fan base! Whether you’re looking for a huge venue like Madison Square Garden or if you’re looking for a more intimate arena, like a local bar, you’re sure to find some of the most entertaining musical shows you could ever ask for—and as I mentioned in a previous post, music is one of the best vehicles to practice your English skills!

April 17, 2017

It’s a fairly common understanding that the arrival of spring is one of the most satisfying times of the year. The snow begins to melt, the sun stays out a little bit longer each evening, and the birds seem to sing louder and longer. You’re probably ready to get out of your apartment and take in the fresh air. While you’re out and about, you might overhear some odd English phrases related to spring that may not make literal sense to you. I’ll help you understand these phrases and at the same time, get you ready for spring weather in New York City.

Spring Fever

This is the feeling you get each time this year when you notice that winter is on its way out and spring is just around the corner. You get antsy, you feel eager to spend time outside without feeling miserable, and you start planning activities to do in the warmer weather. Here’s an example of how you might use this phrase:
“I think I have spring fever—all I want to do is spend time outside, look at the beautiful, new flowers, and dust off my sunglasses that have been tucked away all winter!”

Raining Cats and Dogs

As you know, not all spring days bring warmth and sunshine. In order to allow the flowers and trees to rebloom and flourish with new life, frequent rain must take place to provide nourishment for the green to reappear. As you prepare for this frequent rain, you might overhear someone refer to the precipitation to “raining cats and dogs.” Simply put, this just translates to heavy and long-lasting rain. Here’s how you might hear it:
“I can’t believe how heavy this rain is! It’s raining cats and dogs out there!”

April Showers Bring May Flowers

This is along the same lines as “raining cats and dogs:” in order for the May flowers to bloom and display new life, the rain must come down often and frequently. April is generally known for a month that rains quite frequently, while May is traditionally regarded as the official launch of spring. Here’s an example of how you might hear this phrase in a sentence:
“Even though I’m so tired of bringing my umbrella with me everyday, I have to remind myself that April showers bring May flowers.”

Have a Green Thumb

As spring comes back in full force, you start to see more green around you, even in New York City! You might pass people tending to their planters on their balconies, or you might see landscapers tending to the boulevards on Park Avenue. These are the people that understand plant and gardening maintenance, which means they have a “green thumb.” Not everyone has that skill or intuition, but it’s a phrase of reference for those that do. Here’s an example of how you might overhear someone use this phrase:
“She’s got the best green thumb! She can grow the best vegetables in New York City, better than anyone else I know!”

When It Rains, It Pours

Have you ever had a day when it seems like nothing is going your way? Maybe you start your day by getting caught in the rain, then you miss your train, and then maybe you slip and fall on the stairs? We have a phrase for this: “When it rains, it pours,” which simply means you can’t quite catch a break, that everything that could possibly go wrong, DOES go wrong. Here’s an example of how you might overhear someone say the phrase in a sentence:
“What a horrible start to my day. First I lost my MetroCard, then I missed my connecting train, and then my purse got caught in the revolving door! I guess when it rains, it pours!”

A Spring in One’s Step

This is kind of the opposite of “when it rains, it pours.” Have you ever had one of those days when you’re just in a fantastic mood, and the sun is shining, and you’re feeling jovial and excited about everything? When you’re in this mood, do you ever notice that you might walk lighter or feel like you’re walking on a cloud? One way to say this is that you’ve got a “spring in your step.” Here’s an example of how you might use it in a sentence:
“Everything was going my way that day, and I was simply in the best mood. Even when I was walking around in the streets, I had a spring in my step, and it felt like I was almost skipping!”